However, after Jones submitted Jackson in the evening’s main event, both fighters said the tension that once existed between them has been resolved.

In contrast, the champ does not feel the same about his next opponent: former training partner Rashad Evans.

“I don’t want to talk about Rashad tonight,” Jones flatly said.

Unfortunately for Jones, everyone else did. Reporters wanted to know. Fans wanted to hear. Even Jackson admitted he couldn’t wait to see the fight.

“I think Rashad is basically the only one that has a chance of beating [Jones] because Rashad trained with him before, so Rashad knows,” Jackson said when asked to evaluate Jones’ future as champ. “I don’t see anybody that can beat Jones, honestly. Rashad said he’s got his number though. That’s what he say. I don’t know. I’m looking forward to seeing that fight now.”

Jackson, of course, was referring to Evans’ oft-told recounting of training sessions at Greg Jackson’s camp in New Mexico, when the former champ says he was able to hold the current titleholder on the floor until he begged to be allowed back to his feet.

After initially refusing to address his upcoming foe, Jones couldn’t help but comment on Jackson’s assertions – and they were in stark contrast to what’s become generally accepted as fact.

“I will say this about Rashad: He does not have my number,” Jones said. “He’s not even close to having my number.

“We sparred a few times, and every time we sparred, I know what could have happened. He talks about one day at practice where he held me down, and he lives that day in his head everyday. So we’ll see.”

UFC president Dana White declined to speculate on when Jones and Evans will finally meet in the cage. The champ showed up to the press conference with ice bags on each of his feet, and he repeatedly expressed his desire to go home and enjoy a little rest and relaxation.

Prior to UFC 135, Jones was fighting battles on two fronts. There was Evans, the former training partner, badmouthing Jones for his betrayal. Then there was Jackson, the former champ and grizzled veteran who thought the young up-and-comer was both “cocky” and “fake.”

One of those fires has now been extinguished, as Jackson admitted he was wrong in his evaluations of Jones.

“Straight up – I’m keeping it real – I thought he was all hype,” Jackson said. “The kid is tough. He’s very talented.

“I thought I had his number, but I take my hat off to this guy. He’s good.”

UFC women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey is probably the greatest female fighter on the planet, which is a tremendous feat. So why are we seemingly so obsessed with arguing about whether she could beat up men?